Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

$To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites, gather these items: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes - 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 large egg, whisked until well combined - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Olive oil cooking spray If you need to swap ingredients, here are some easy ideas: - Use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko for a softer texture. - Grated Pecorino Romano cheese works well in place of Parmesan. - If you’re out of fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. - You can replace the parsley with dried herbs, like oregano or basil. Want to take your chicken bites up a notch? Try these extras: - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. - Mix in lemon zest for a fresh, zesty kick. - Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma. - Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. These tweaks can make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites even more fun and tasty! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the chicken from sticking. In a bowl, mix together Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors. Next, take each chicken piece and dip it in the whisked egg. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mix. Press down lightly to help it stick. Arrange the coated chicken on the baking sheet, giving each piece space to cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil cooking spray. This helps achieve a nice, crispy crust. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Flip the chicken bites halfway through to ensure they cook on both sides. They should be golden brown and cooked through when done. For a great texture, use Panko breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch that regular breadcrumbs can’t match. Spraying the chicken with olive oil helps it brown nicely. Always make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This keeps the chicken from steaming and helps it crisp up. Also, do not overcrowd the baking sheet. If the bites are too close, they will not cook evenly. Give them space to breathe! To ensure all chicken bites cook evenly, cut them into uniform sizes. This way, they cook at the same rate. Flipping them halfway through baking is key too. It helps achieve that perfect golden color on both sides. If you have a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This way, you know they are fully cooked. Let them cool for a few minutes after baking. This keeps them juicy and tasty. To get your chicken bites crispy, start with Panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat each piece well. Press the breadcrumb mix onto the chicken. This helps it stick better. Use olive oil spray on top before baking. This adds flavor and helps create a golden crust. One common mistake is not preheating the oven. If your oven is not hot enough, the chicken won’t crisp up. Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. Leave space between the pieces for even cooking. Also, don’t skip flipping the chicken halfway through. This ensures both sides get brown and crispy. You can add more flavor in many ways. Try using fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You can also add a bit of lemon zest for brightness. For a spicy twist, mix in some red pepper flakes. Serve your chicken bites with marinara or ranch for dipping. This adds another layer of flavor and makes each bite even more enjoyable. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and parsley to enhance the flavor of your chicken bites. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste. Adjust the Crunch: For extra crunch, consider adding some finely chopped nuts to the breadcrumb mixture. Almonds or walnuts can add a delightful texture. Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping the chicken bites halfway through baking ensures even cooking and promotes a uniform golden-brown finish on all sides. Experiment with Dips: While marinara and ranch are classic choices, try serving these bites with a spicy aioli or a tangy yogurt dip for a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can mix things up with different seasonings. Try using smoked paprika for a hint of smoke. Or, add some cayenne pepper for heat. You can also use lemon zest for a bright twist. A dash of cumin adds a warm flavor that pairs well with chicken. Want to switch it up? Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. You can even use turkey for a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press and cube them well before coating. These bites taste great with many sides. Serve them with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. A side salad adds freshness and crunch. You can also pair them with garlic bread for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, serve them in tacos with fresh veggies. To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing. You can store the bites in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating properly is key. For the best texture, use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at the same temperature. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you have extra bites, freezing is simple. Arrange the cooled chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This method retains their taste and texture well. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. This way, they won’t dry out or absorb odors from other foods. Yes, you can make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites ahead of time. Prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When you're ready, just bake them. They will still taste great! You can serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Marinara sauce for dipping - Creamy ranch dressing - Fresh salad for a light meal - Roasted vegetables for a colorful plate - Garlic bread for a fun twist In this post, we covered all you need to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites. We detailed the ingredients and offered helpful substitutes, along with tips for perfect baking and flavor enhancement. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, like trying new spices or using different chicken cuts. Storing and reheating leftovers properly preserves freshness and taste. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or meal, these bites are sure to impress. Get creative, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy your cooking journey!$

Crispy and flavorful chicken bites coated in garlic and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 large egg, whisked until well combined
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
to taste salt and black pepper
olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumb mixture.
Take each bite-sized piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off back into the bowl. Then, generously coat the chicken piece with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
Arrange the coated chicken bites on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between them for even cooking.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil cooking spray. This will promote a crispy, golden-brown crust as they bake.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, carefully flip the chicken bites to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. The bites should be golden brown and cooked through when finished.
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the chicken bites to cool for a couple of minutes before serving to retain their juiciness.

Notes

Arrange on a decorative platter and serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, garlic, Parmesan